“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”

These are the words of Mother Teresa. They inspire me.

They stir my soul to stay in my purpose, to remain ever so cautious of being lured away from what I am supposed to be doing. Doing something that matters…Something that rescues me from my own selfishness… Something that grips my heart enough so I may lay hold of what’s truly life…

Recently, my husband and I were invited to attend the Children’s Hunger Fund Presidential Retreat with Dave Phillips and team. For many years we have loved and supported this cause. Today that love is deepened. I agreed to attend not exactly knowing what to expect.

Gratefully, I found myself surrounded by those who daily serve in the trenches.

It’s what drives my passion for entrepreneurship even more. It was a weekend that provided deep insight into my hero’s hearts who courageously and incessantly tend to needs of the poor; take care of the orphans via shelter, food and vitamins; provide hope in times of natural disaster; and rescue children’s lives from the brutalization of the sex trade industry.

This retreat was not about showing graphic pictures or stories like many may assume. It was a time to share how needs are being met, how lives are being changed all through the compassionate love and mercy of people who care. Inspiring would be an understatement.

I listened to how team members are equipped, resources are used and troops are mobilized. All I can say is the Mercy Network doesn’t mess around. They mean business! They are ready and willing to make a difference. It served as a personal call to action.

I am convinced. Each of us holds the power to do the same; to make a dent in the Universe by making a difference. Together I saw first hand how donations large and small help enforce human rights, give widows dignity and keep families from slipping into more brokenness. I saw how I too could be hands and feet to serve whether by means of giving time, money or business resources.

What became more real to me than ever before, was the story of the Good Samaritan. Awkwardly it was two religious people who passed up the beaten and afflicted. And, without a red cape, it was a Samaritan who came to the rescue. The one who was the cultural misfit that stopped to render aid. The religious leaders weren’t moved by compassion even though they saw the pain. It was the Samaritan who stopped going about his busy schedule. He took time to serve. I want to be like him.

What fascinates me is the Good Samaritan didn’t do it alone. He asked for help from the Innkeeper. Often, I feel overwhelmed in a quest to make a difference. It’s easy to say there’s just too many people with needs. Truth is, I can make a difference. We can, if our hearts remains tender.

An open heart cannot maintain a closed hand.

I believe we all have the ability to contribute. It may be our skills, our money, or our intellect to solve big problems. My desire is to see a more caring world. I want to see people who will risk having their hearts broken when they’re affronted with suffering and somehow dig deep as to how they can help alleviate it. This is real courage.

I hope you will join me. I hope you will take action like the Good Samaritan. My desire is that we will be willing to see and feel pain just long enough to find out how we can serve.

Here’s my call to action for you and me.

Partner with a non-profit you trust. It could be the Children’s Hunger Fund. Did you know Forbes magazine recognized them as one of the most cost effective organizations? Or Perhaps consider joining me serving first hand on a trip to Zoe’s Children’s House in Thailand; a refuge from sex trade predators. Friends, it’s time to mobilize however that looks to you. And I understand it will look different to each of us and that’s okay.

Do me a favor, share your ideas and thoughts about how you desire to deepen your life purpose. I’m curious as to the way you will channel your little pencil just like Mother Teresa. Write about it. I want to read a small part of the love letter you choose to write to the world.